Never Give Up

This is an incredible video about never giving up. Even when we think we don't have the strength to go on, as Christians we know that God can do the seemingly impossible. Watch this video and be reminded of that fact (You Tube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agetT6qKpA8).

The Church Needs to Learn from the World

This is an amazing presentation about how fast technology and information is advancing in our world. There are amazing posibilities out there and frightening dangers. Too often, the church is "behind the times" on using the resources available to us for good. I am convinced that someone like the Apostle Paul would use every resource available to him (short of sin) to advance the kingdom. He said, "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" (1 Cor 9:22-23). Jesus once lamented the fact that people of the world make better uses of resources than do the children of light. Listen to Jesus words in Luke 16:8: "For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light." Watch this video from the perspective of the work of God's kingdom. We are not using the resources that we could be to the fullest. It is time for the sons of light to take a lesson from the sons of this world. Thanks to Bradley Thompson for pointing out this video. (If you can't see the video below here the the YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKZEP-xruH4).

Protected from Attacker by Jesus

The video below is a powerful example of how we should not fear those who can kill the body. A man tried to rob this elderly woman in a Wal-Mart parking lot, but the faith that she shared with him saved her...and perhaps might save him as well. Watch and be challenged. (For those of you who cannot see the video below, here is the You Tube link: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj3imy-FCPI). Thanks to Doug Burleson for pointing out this video.

Are we losing our freedom in America?

I usually only discuss the Bible and matters of faith on this blog. However, I received a link from a good friend to an interesting short film (10 minutes long) called "Make Mine Freedom" that was done by Harding College in 1948. Watch this video and be amazed at how current it sounds to our present political condition in America. Are we losing our freedoms as we speak?

The Ministry of Encouragement

Encouragement. It is the art of helping people believe in themselves. The Bible says that encouragement is a ministry that true disciples should render to others (1 Thes. 5:14). The world is full of things that bring us down and discourage us. Most people tend to be pessimistic about others. Most people were pessimistic about Saul of Tarsus thinking that he really had no potential as a true follower of Christ, considering his past (Acts 9:26). Thankfully, a man named Barnabas believed in Saul and helped Saul believe in himself (Acts 9:27). Thanks to Barnabas' ministry of encouragement, Saul of Tarsus becomes arguably the most powerful preacher of the gospel, second only to Jesus. Saul becomes the Apostle Paul, writing a majority of the books of the New Testament. Much of Saul's success can likely be attributed to the encouragement of Barnabas.

Who have you encouraged lately? Who can you instill confidence in today? The video below is the motivational story of a coach believing in an autistic kid named Jason McElway. Watch the video and be amazed at what a little encouragement can do...

America, a Christian Nation?

A few months ago, President Obama stated that America is not a Christian nation. In response to this statement, Randy Forbes made this presentation before Congress correcting the President's statement. Click on the video below. Thanks to Mike Greene for sending me this link.

Atheist says: "If you really believe, you will evangelize"

This video shows how crucial that it is that all true Christians be involved in evangelism. This statement comes from a self-professed atheist. However, even he was moved by the genuineness and sincerity of a man who tried to share his faith by giving him a Bible. We can have an impact if we are courageous enough to be authentic, compassionate disciples of Christ. The man (an atheist) in this video makes a great point. He says that if you really believe that there is a heaven and a hell and you don't try and share your faith with everyone you meet, you are among the most cruel people on the planet. Something to think about. Watch the video below and prepare to be shocked and challenged...

The Prosperity Gospel

I have been studying 1 Peter 2 today. Peter makes the point loud and clear that being a true follower of Christ is marked by suffering not prosperity. There are many popular preachers in America today (such as Joel Osteen) who are preaching a "health and wealth gospel." Peter says that God is glorified when we really follow Christ through the agony of suffering and continue to praise him. The "Prosperity Gospel" misrepresents what the gospel really is all about. John Piper gives a stirring rebuke of the "Prosperity Gospel" in the video above.

What if Starbucks Operated Like the Church?

"The truth hurts." For those of us who are concerned about the image we present as a body of believers to those who visit our worship services, this video hurts. I'm afraid this is too often the way that many visitors to the church feel when they enter our doors.

New ESV Study Bible

Since its introduction in 2000, the English Standard Version of the Bible has been celebrated by conservative Bible scholars and Christians everywhere. Being a formal equivalent translation, the ESV strives to precisely communicate the very words of the Bible into modern day English. This translation is very accurate to the original text but is very easily read by modern readers. Now, a new study Bible called the "ESV Study Bible" has been introduced. This study Bible is edited by some of the best conservative, evangelical Bible scholars of our day. Wayne Grudum is the general editor while J.I. Packer is the theological editor. While both of these men are evangelicals, they are very conservative believing in the authority and inspiration of the Biblical text. I am excited about this Study Bible and can't wait to get a copy for myself.

Be careful little mouth what you say!

Peter said that husbands must live with their wives in an understanding way (1 Peter 3:7). This is especially true for those of us who preach! This little video is really funny, but it hit home to me and maybe it will for you too!

If My Nose Was Running Money

Anyone that knows me very well knows that I love to laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine. "A merry heart is good medicine," in the words of inspired Scripture (Prov. 17:22). A "cheerful heart is a continual feast" (Prov. 15:15). My friend and brother Phil Sanders sent me this link. I hope you laugh as hard as I did!